Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-07

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In the future, people may no longer be able to pay for things in shops using cash. All payments may have to be made by card or using phones. Do you think this will happen one day? Why do you think some people might not be happy to give up using cash?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 7.0)

As digital payment methods become increasingly popular, cash could eventually be replaced by cards and mobile phone payments. I believe that largely cashless society is likely to develop, however, some people may oppose this change because concerns about technology, privacy and accessibility.

On the one hand, due to advancement in technology electronic payments have become faster and more convenient . People can pay for goods within seconds using their mobile phone or bank card, without carrying cash or looking for ATM. As a result, customers would choose digital payments in their daily life. For example, in many countries people often use their mobile phones or bank cards for everyday purchase, including big transactions such as purchasing gold. Therefore, as a technology continues to develop, cash is likely to become less used. In addition to that, having a cashless society there will be less fear of getting robbed.

On the other hand, some people may not have equal access to the technology or feels comfortable using digital payments. If cash disappear, people would have to use bank cards or phone application or online banking for payments. This could be particularly difficult for elderly people and those who are less familiar with modern technology. In addition, some people may have concerns regarding their privacy and security because their financial information could be stolen. For example, an elderly person who hardly use their smartphone may find it easier to pay in cash rather than using a mobile application. Therefore, these particular group may strongly oppose a completely cashless society.

In conclusion, the convenience and speed of electronic transaction payments are likely to reduce the use of cash significantly. However, cash may continue to be important for elderly people, those who are less familiar with technology and have privacy concern.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

Your response addresses both parts of the question and maintains a clear position: you consider a largely cashless future likely, while explaining why some people may resist it. The reasons—convenience, reduced risk of robbery, limited access or confidence with technology, and privacy and security concerns—are relevant and supported with examples, including the elderly person who finds cash easier. This fits the descriptor for a response that covers the task and extends its ideas. To strengthen the development further, explain more specifically how privacy concerns might affect people’s willingness to use digital payments, and qualify broad claims such as customers generally choosing digital methods. The conclusion summarises your position, though it could more directly answer whether cash will disappear entirely or simply become less common.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear, effective structure: an introduction states your view, two body paragraphs present contrasting considerations, and the conclusion returns to the main argument. The progression from the benefits of digital payments to the reasons for resistance is easy to follow. Linking phrases such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” guide the reader, while examples are placed alongside the points they support. This is a logical overall organisation with clear progression. Some transitions are a little formulaic, and “In addition to that” is less natural than a more direct link. You could also make the relationship between the example of gold purchases and the claim about everyday use clearer, and use pronouns or other references more precisely to avoid repeating “people” and “cashless society.”

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “digital payment methods,” “accessibility,” “privacy,” “financial information,” and “cashless society.” These choices communicate the main ideas clearly, and some topic-specific phrasing shows an attempt to be precise. However, several word combinations or forms are not fully natural, such as “big transactions,” “everyday purchase,” and “electronic transaction payments.” “Less used” is understandable but less idiomatic than “used less frequently.” These inaccuracies do not prevent understanding, but they limit the flexibility and naturalness expected at a higher level. Aim to learn common collocations as complete phrases and check whether a noun should be singular or plural in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including clauses beginning with “because” and “if,” and most ideas remain clear. There is some control of longer structures, for example, “This could be particularly difficult for elderly people and those who are less familiar with modern technology.” However, errors in agreement, articles, and verb forms recur: “some people … feels,” “If cash disappear,” and “an elderly person who hardly use.” There are also missing or misplaced articles in phrases such as “a largely cashless society” and “looking for ATM.” These errors rarely obstruct meaning, but they reduce accuracy. Review subject–verb agreement and article use, then proofread each sentence for singular and plural consistency.

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